New Patient Information
Everything You Need For Your First Appointment
- DELTA DENTAL
- AETNA
- METLIFE
- CIGNA
- GUARDIAN
- PREMERA
- PRINCIPAL
- REGENCE
- DHA/ASSURANT
- AMERITAS/STANDARD
- UNITED CONCORDIA
What To Expect at Your Child’s First Visit
A Friendly Greeting
Walk through our doors and our team will greet you and your little surfer with big smiles. We’ll be ready to answer any questions you may have.
Office Tour
Your very own Surf Instructor (Dental Team member) will bring you back and give you a tour of our office.
Comprehensive Exam
Once your child feels welcomed to his or her new dental home, we’ll take x-rays, conduct a professional cleaning, and discuss your child’s oral and overall health. Don’t be surprised if your Surf Instructor talks about the importance of diet and total wellness.
Welcome to the Smile Surfers Family
You and your child being accepted into our dental family is so important to us. We look forward to watching your little surfer grow into a young adult.
We love this place. All the staff is super friendly and great with the kids. They tell us upfront if there is an issue with recommended treatments and our insurance. I would recommend this place to my friends.
Jarrod S., Actual Parent
The best place to take your kids. They are friendly, informative, and helpful. They work great with the kids.
Jeff, Actual Parent
Have Questions About Your Child’s First Visit?
We love answering questions! Check out our FAQs below.
- Notice of Non-DiscriminationSmile Surfers does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
Translation Services available; we provide language assistance services (free of charge) to those who need it.
- It’s my child’s first dental visit. Do you have any tips to make it a positive experience for them?Don’t worry! Follow these tips to help make your child’s dental visits a roaring success!
- Use positive speech when talking about the dentist.
- Accompany your children at their dental visits.
- Help your child recognize the dentist as his or her “dental home.”
- The less “fuss” the better. It’s best to tell your child about a dental visit the day of the appointment.
- If your child wants more information about the dentist, explain to them that the doctor will look at his/her teeth to make sure they are healthy.
- Make sure that your child is well rested the day of the appointment.
- Don’t threaten a visit to the dentist as a form a punishment for bad behavior.
- Be a good role model by practicing excellent oral hygiene routine in front of the kiddos.
Remember: Dental visits are part of growing up. You shouldn’t offer rewards or indicate in any way that there is anything to fear.
- My child is having a dental emergency. What should I do?
If your child is experiencing a dental emergency, please call our nearest office and our team will do everything possible to get your child in right away.
- Call our Richland office: 509-946-9999
- Call our Kennewick office: 509-581-4455
For more information, including instructions on what to do, check out our Emergency Dentistry page.
- Will I be able to accompany my child during his or her appointment?Yes! In fact, we highly encourage all parent to accompany their children during their appointments. This helps your child see a familiar face from start to finish and this allows us to include you in developing a treatment plan for your child’s oral and overall health.
- Are dental x-rays safe?Yes, they are! The amount of radiation from a dental x-ray is small and your child will be protected by a lead apron and other protective measures. Dental radiographs not only detect cavities, but also show progress of teeth growth and help alert your dentist of bone diseases and other problems. They let your child’s dentist see patterns and symptoms that are not visible in a physical examination. By finding and treating potential problems early, you can save money and avoid unnecessary procedures later. Your child’s dentist may recommend x-rays once or twice per year, depending on their risk factors for tooth decay and other problems.